The Hurricane

809 Gulf Way St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Tel: 727- 360-9558

The Hurricane restaurant stands stalwart and majestic amid the calm breezes of the cozy neighborhood of Passe a Grille in St. Pete Beach.  With views of the beach across the street, it is the spot to take yourself for a brief getaway from the stressors of real life.  The food is pretty typical seaside fare, but it is a good value for the quality and quantity. The grouper sandwich is surely something to write home about and no doubt a lasting memory for out of towners. We went there this weekend and just to be different, I tried the Shrimp Po Boy. Other entrees we sampled were the tilapia Fish and Chips and the BLT.  The Po Boy had a chipolte mayo that gave it a little zip, and the shrimp was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.  The fish had the same qualities and both dishes included cole slaw.  The cole slaw wasn't dazzling, but my son's choice of fruit was fresh and sweet.  The BLT was awesome with plenty of bacon. The cuban bread elevated this layered trio to a whole new level. A street music festival called "Pop Goes the Beach" was cranking up as we arrived.  It was fun, but I prefer walking along the beach, checking out the side street shops and relaxing with a cocktail at the Hurricane as a salty breeze wafts by. Prices are reasonable at the under $10.

Verducci's Pizzeria Trattoria

7736 Blind Pass Rd., St. Pete Beach, FL. Tel. 727-363-790

The old Fortunato's was recently renovated to become the new Verducci's on St. Pete Beach and it's a definite improvement. The bigggest change is a very creative and appetizing new menu, thanks to it's Neapolitan owners. A welcome addition to the beaches. Listed under each category on the menu; appetizers, entrees, salads, pizzas, subs, strombolis and calzones is a large selection.

Of course, there's still work to be done. What's the saying....Rome wasn't built in a day? The servers, though pleasant, are obviously in training. One of our inquiries that needed confirmation from the boss was...Do you serve Pellegrino or Perrier? The answer was no, but after a minute or two the answer was.. Yes, we do! A definite desire to serve, but still learning.

Our three entrees, Gnocci, Shrimp, Eggplant Parmesan were consumed without hesitation. The salad was large so that went with us. The wine list is a good one and our choices were excellent. We spent a little more, but you could probably get a nice meal for under $20.

One thing the owners must think about improving is the entrance. A large take out counter with lots of paper cups and supplies greet you at the door occupying most of the first room, but you'll be asked immediately where you'd like to sit, so don't be put off. Stay and choose the second room and you'll be fine. A restaurant in St. Petersburg recently closed because it had an obvious take out counter at the door concealing the wonderful ambiance and delicious dining further inside. Very sad.

Oh, and try the pizza. I've been told that it is authentic.

I like their slogan too... Cuciniamo con amore. I think it's true.

Gatsby's of St. Petersburg

At Grayl's Hotel
340 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL
Tel: 727-896-1080

You may have felt the same curiosity I did as you walked or drove by this quaint spot on Beach Drive. Certainly it's within a stone's throw of the Museum of Fine Arts and the new Chilhuily Gallery, but I often overlook it as a place to stop. I always seem to have something else on my agenda when I'm in that area, until that is, I made it a point to meet Java there recently. Gatsby's is part of the Historic Grayl Hotel which is reminiscent of the boutique hotels I stayed in during my travels in Europe. It was built in 1922 and a quick trip inside (we chose to sit outside on this lovely afternoon) takes you on a little time travel excursion. The bar looks like a great place to hang, advertising several trendy drinks I want to try. The lunch menu is comprised of sandwiches, salads, soups and pizza. I labored over the menu, which is plain site of anyone driving by, ending up with the pulled pork wrap (wet.) This good and plenty sandwich was stuffed with well seasoned meat and slaw, peppered with caribbean flavors and kidney beans. I enjoyed the macaroni salad, but not the potato salad that accompanied it. There was plenty of food for a noon meal. The prices were normal for this stretch of Beach Drive, appetizers start at $5.95 and entrees from $7.95. Dinner offers steaks and seafood, as well as pastas and classic American dishes, such as meatloaf, with a new twist. Dinner prices range from $8.95 to $29.95. The wait staff is among the friendliest in downtown and is one of the reasons I wanted to stop in. Someone always greets me as I walk by the hostess station. Make no mistake about it, the owners of this unique restaurant want you there and expect you to stay a while.

St. Petersburg Ale House

7901 Martin Luther King St N, St Petersburg, FL 33702

Tel: 727-217-9206

It was an emergency meeting amongst friends in need of a glass of wine that brought us to the St. Petersburg Ale House. Just needed to talk about the days events and it was close by. This a big place that houses not only a restaurant, but a full service bar and pool room. Lots of people show up to watch sports and meet friends. Families come here too, but it has a very bar like atmosphere and not like a kid friendly British pub environment. The food is plentiful and tastes good, though my advice is to stick with classic fried favorites like fish or chicken sandwiches and fries, or their steaks. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. No need to ask for refills on tea since they give you a gallon sized glass. Prices range from $5 to $20. Check their web site for daily specials, they are open for lunch and dinner.

Lee's Crab Trap I

5611 US Highway 19, Palmetto, Fl. Tel. 941-722-6255

First, no this is not in St. Pete., but just over the Skyway bridge. Call before you go or use Mapquest for directions. It's really quite easy to get there, a very popular place for St. Petersburg residents with an good reputation. It also has an excellent location on Rt. 19 with no competition in sight.

I'd been there years ago and then dined there again last night with 3 friends. It's a very warm comfortable environment and much cleaner than I remembered. The decor is dated, with dark wood paneling and booths of the same color. No padding on those benches so just be prepared. To make up for that, a young waitress provided excellent service. The menu is extensive. Plastic covered pages in a binder once again give you that out-of-date feeling. This is one of those old fashioned fish houses where shellfish is a priority. Whether you're in the mood for just an appetizer, an entree that comes with a host of sides or a sandwich and salad, you can find it served with your favorite shellfish. My friends ordered their usual Crab cake served with baked potato and coleslaw. I was surprised to learn that the cost was a few dollars more than my Tilapia fish platter for $10.95. They both agreed that the cake was smaller than usual. In general, however, the pricing is very reasonable and there are daily dinner specials on the last page (why not the front page?) that are less expensive. I was satisfied with my platter but really preferred the sides of coleslaw and sweet potato to the fish.....not tasty at all. Next time I'll choose another dish. Yes, I would go again if I'm passing by, but wouldn't go out of my way.

Thirsty Marlin

351 West Bay Drive, Largo, FL 33770
Tel: 727-586-3474

I went to a holiday gathering at the Thirsty Marlin last night and was very pleased with the food, atmosphere, and staff. The interior of the restaurant is clean and decorated in a tropical theme that is fun but not overdone. The staff was very friendly and for our group of 30, management supplied plenty of help. The menu is part Florida seafood and part Caribbean flair. I ordered the Jambalaya which was full of  shrimp, jerk chicken, Andouille sausage, roasted red peppers and yellow rice with a light sauce. The menu said it is a true Marlin original, “brought back from Romora Bay Club in the West Indies.” It wasn't spicy or typical Lousiana fare if that's what you're used to, but it was a tasty meal. It was definitely more on the Caribbean side of the flavor spectrum. There is a full menu of appetizers, specialty drinks, burgers, saldads, sandwiches and entrees. Something for everyone and comfortable seating for whatever size group. I sampled their salad on another occasion and found the greens fresh and plentiful. Desserts are available and tasty too. I had the Heath Bar Pie which was a nice topper for my entree choice. I visited the Largo location, but there is also the original location in Palm Harbor. Hours are 11:30 am - 12:00 am.  Their online ordering system is convenient, user friendly and unique among the many restaurant web sites I have visited. Locals tell me to look for the nightly specials and to try the grouper nuggets. Next time, I will do so.

ABC Chinese Seafood Restaurant

2705 54th Avenue North #3, St. Petersburg, FL 33714
727-522-1888

ABC Chinese Seafood Restaurant was recommended to me by a stranger and touted as the best Chinese restaurant in St. Petersburg. I ventured in for a second visit recently to partake in their exotic, flavorful dishes. The strip mall atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired, but the place was full on Saturday night. A quick glance around the dining room found about half the diners were Asian families. They were seated at round tables with turntables in the middle laden with fish, rice and veggies. A second glance a short time later found fish bones, specks of rices and satisfied smiles all around the table and what seemed like agreeable conversation about the meal. I ordered the basil chicken, which a friend told me was delicious. The dish is served in a bowl and is really more of a soup. Tender chicken is surrounded by tomato, basil, pineapple and other vegetables. This is a well balanced sweet and spicy meal. I tossed rice in there too (sadly no brown rice is available) but it could be a low carb Chinese food alternative for dieters for whom Chinese meals are off limits. My husband ordered the Salt and Pepper Seafood platter which was fried, simple and delicious. The quality of the seafood is excellent and the prices reasonable for the level of expertise going into the finished product. Prices range from $4 to approximately $18.99 (unless you want a whole Peking Duck for $34.99.) Don't let the exterior deter you from this great place, the interior and the staff are warm and welcoming. Open for dinner only 5:00 pm - 12:00 am Monday to Thursday and 5:00 pm - 1:00 am Friday to Sunday.

Frenchy's Rockaway Grill

7 Rockaway Street, Clearwater Beach, FL
Tel: 727-446-4844

Having grown up in St. Petersburg, I always thought the Hurricane was the best place to eat a grouper sandwich. A recent trip to Clearwater Beach with a friend, who guaranteed my satisfaction, changed my mind completely. Frenchy's Rockaway Grill is perched directly on the beach, making a fantastic view for diners. I did a little asking around before the trek out there and heard more than once that I should order the She Crab Soup and either the grouper bites or the grouper sandwich. The soup was beyond my expectations and if I make it out there again will definitely be my first course. An appetizer not to be missed are the conch fritters. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and just a slight bite from something spicy in the mix. The grouper is available a myriad of ways. The one I tasted had delicious caribbean spices and was cooked to perfection. My side salad was fresh and dressed well. The atmosphere is as you would expect it to be with a casual, with a fun and flirty flair. We got there early and were seated right away, but by the time we left the lunch crowd was waiting in a winding line outside the door. Prices were reasonable for a seafood joint, starting around $5 and ending at $21. Now I feel like going out to Pass a Grille Beach for a comparison taste test.

El Cap

3500 4th St N, St Petersburg, FL 33704
Tel: (727) 521-1314

The burgers are tasty and the shoestring potatoes are an absolute must. El Cap is a St. Petersburg landmark worth visiting, but be prepared for the fact that the service is a little brusque. People, especially sports fans, love to hang out here with friends. Dress your handmade all beef burger or cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, etc. The ketchup and mustard are on the table within easy reach. Other bar food is available, as well as cold beer. A steady stream of people makes weekends difficult to find a seat in the dining room or a spot in the parking lot. The feeling among diners is relaxed and casual.

Parkshore Grill

300 Beach Drive NE
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
727-896-9463

In my world, the Parkshore Grill is often the place for special meet ups with friends and this week was a shining example. My good friend Tracy is moving away and about a dozen or so of the St. Paul's "girls" had a farewell dinner for her. The restaurant staff set up a banquet table for us outside so that we could partake in the buzz that surrounds the sidewalk crowds. I enjoyed Chef Tyson's special pan roasted duck, seasoned with Asian spices and served with rice and veggies. The avocado tempura that accompanied the meal was a delicious first for me. There are wine suggestions listed with the entrees for people like me who recognize some of the wineries, but who are a bit indecisive when a committment has to be made. Those around me enjoyed the Hanger Steak and Fries, the Tomato and Buffalo Mozzerella Salad, Somona Goat Cheese Spinach Dip, and the Beef Carpaccio just to name a few of the menu items. Saying goodbye to Tracy was sad, but as we toasted, someone said, "our paths will cross again, they always do!"

The Moon Under Water

332 Beach Dr. St. Petersburg, FL Tel. 727-896-6160

Almost everyone, resident, snowbird, tourist, has been to The Moon Under Water and probably more than a few times. And why? Because you’re never disappointed. The food and drink are consistently good. Service, no matter how crowded, is always good. Prices are more than fair. So why am I writing about a place you already know about? To make sure that you’re not missing one of the best things about The Moon and that’s the Curry. Oh yes their fish and chips are enjoyed by many, their salads served in that taco shell are had by all. But the Curry, that takes some courage. They offer mild, and you can certainly begin with that, but don’t be afraid, next time move on to the hotter version. You’ll be glad you did. It’s a PUB, don’t forget, and those Brits love their Curry. Find out why. Enjoy it with the nain bread and a COLD draft beer. Okay, we don’t have to like everything the Brits like, do we?

Woody's Waterfront Cafe and Beach Bar

7308 Sunset Bay, St. Pete Beach, FL.
Tel. 727-360-9165

On Thursday I attended an art show, followed by a very pleasant social hour. I met up with a friend and as we walked together to the parking lot we decided that we needed sustenance......food. No problem, we made a quick decision and took the short drive over to Gulfport. As we feared, it was too early for Gulfport, the town was DEAD and restaurants empty. So we moved on to a place we knew would be ALIVE…. St Pete Beach! As always, there was a crowd at Woody’s, and a table for two. Which was nice because most of the tables are picnic tables for six. Of course, sometimes you have to share. The menu consists of the regular barfare; chicken in the basket, wings, shrimp, but these guys go one step further….. this food is really good. We both had the fish and chips. I’ve never tasted better and for $6.95 they can’t be beat. Frozen drinks of different pastels are on almost every table. Oh yes, those tables and umbrellas are crowded onto a wooden deck that sits at the waters edge on Blind Pass looking towards the Gulf of Mexico. You can always catch a cool breeze at Woody’s and a little night music. Parking is available, no charge.